Linda Siota Controversial Book Summaries 1.Beloved, by Toni Morrison 1987
Grades 11-12
Post Modern Literature/Historical Fiction
This is a story of post-civil war African-Americans. The main character has escaped from slavery and kills her daughters to avoid having them taken into slavery. She is haunted by the ghost of one of her daughters.
Banned or censored in Florida, 1995 & 1998; Illinois, 2006; Idaho, 2007 and Kentucky, 2007. Reasons for objections: sexual materials and obscene language.
Public opinion is that it is a well written and powerful story, but very disturbing to many people.
References: http:/www.ala.org and goodreads.com 2. Merriam-Webster and American Heritage Dictionary
All Ages
Reference Book
Dictionaries printed by these two [[#|publishing houses]] were banned in California, 2010. The reason is that they contain definitions for "oral sex".
References: http://huffingtonpost.com 3. Slaughter House Five, by Kurt Vonnegut 1969
Grades 10-12
Fiction
The story follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a WW1 survivor. His war memories as well as imaginary trips to an extraterrestrial planet are interspersed as he recollects the war after a visit from a fellow survivor.
Banned in numerous places, including, North Dakota, 1973(the book was actually burned); New York 1975; Wisconsin 1984; and Kentucky 1985. Reasons include sexuality, profanity, violence and references to religious matters.
References: http://ala.org and goodreads.com
Irish Brown-Assignment 7-Controversial Book Summaries
1. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Children Ages 4-8 years old
Fiction
And Tango Makes Three is a story of two male penguins who live together in the Central Park Zoo where they fall in love. The couple see other male and female couples hatching eggs together, so they decide to hatch a rock in hopes it will turn into a baby. The couple is eventually given an egg to care for and love. When the egg hatches Tango is born and the three become a family. (Publishers Weekly)
The controversy with this book is the idea of same sex marriage introduced to young children through the viewpoint of two penguins. The story continues to use lines such as, “They must be in love” and the pictures depict the two penguins affectionately spending time together. This book is written for children within the ages of four years old to eight years old. This would be for children in preschool through grades two or three. This could create confusion in young children if this book is read independently by young children, and parents may want to read this book with their children in order to answer questions or explain the topic of same sex marriage. goldmedalbooks.wordpress.com/.../controversial-childrens-books/
The public opinion of this book appears to be mixed in that some parents recommend the book to children and other parents to read and some parents discourage the book due to the topic of same sex marriage. However, the book has an average rating of four stars according to Customer Reviews at barnesandnoble.com.
Parnell, Peter. Richardson, Justin. And Tango Makes Three. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Children. 2005.
2. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
3-6 years old
Fiction
In the Night Kitchen is a story about a young boy who has a dream that he visits a baker’s kitchen during the night when the bakers are baking. In Mickey’s dream, however, he is naked in the baker’s kitchen. The pictures in the story are realistic, and some of the pages display Mickey without clothes. Due to the nudity displayed in the pictures, In the Night Kitchen was banned from school libraries. This story has a rating of four out of five stars. www.commonsensemedia.org
Sendak, Maurice. In the Night Kitchen. HarperCollins Publishers. Anniversary Edition. 1996.
3. The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen
Children ages 5-8
Fairy Tale
The Emperor’s New Clothes is a classic fairy tale originally written by Hans Christian Andersen. It is the story of an emperor who valued his clothes, and when two weavers offer to create new clothes made out of new material the emperor agrees not knowing the new material really does not exist. When the emperor wears his new clothes in public he is really naked. The average customer review was five stars according to amazon.com customer reviews.
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Emperor’s New Clothes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2004.
4. Where Willy Went by Nicholas Allan
Children ages 4-8
Fiction
Where Willy Went is a story of the human reproduction cycle written and illustrated for young children. The average customer review for this book was four out of five stars according to google books.
Allan, Nicholas. Where Willy Went. Random House Children’s Books. 2011.
5. Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak
Children Ages 4-7
Fiction
Bumble-Ardy is a story about a pig who is being raised by his aunt after the death of his parents. The controversy with this story is the introduction of death to young children. www.squidoo.com/controversial-childrens-books-of-all-time The story has an average customer rating of 4.5 according to amazon.com.
6. Maggie Goes on a Diet by Paul M. Krammer
Children ages 8-12
Fiction
Maggie Goes on a Diet is a story about a fourteen year old girl who loses weight and becomes the school soccer star. It is controversial because of the topic of weight loss in a young girl who is still growing and developing. The average customer rating is 1.5 out of five according to barnesandnoble.com
Krammer, Paul M. Maggie Goes on a Diet. Aloha Publishers LLC. 2011.
7. Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron
Children ages 3-7
Fiction
Nappy Hair is a story about a little girl named Brenda and how her hair became the way it was. This book is controversial because of the term “nappy hair.” This story has an average customer review of 4.2 out of five according to amazon.com.
Herron, Carolivia. Nappy Hair. Random House Children’s Books. 1998
Welcome Class
Here is where we will discuss and share our controversial books.
Enjoy the dialogue.
Lynne
Assignment 7-Elizabeth Foster-13 Controversial book summaries (I hope this is how we were to share and post this information, if not, I apologize!) 1.Daughters of Eve by Lois Duncan: Realistic Fiction.
Developmental appropriate age: 14-16
Basic Plot Summary: A girls’ high school club seeks revenge on males who have oppressed or done them wrong.
Opposed for: profanity, sexual content, violence and anti-feminist ideals.
Censorship history: Objected to by parents at Lowell Middle School in Indiana. http://www.abffe.org/?page=BBWstoriesBehind
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.57 out of 5 stars with 1,696 ratings. Readers seemed to either love or hate the book. Those who are fans of the book appreciate the chauvinistic struggles the girls in the story have, but acknowledge that the story depicts actions gone out of control. Those who dislike the book often claim the radical actions of the characters are proof that feminism is a terrible idea which leads to dire consequences. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47762.Daughters_of_Eve#other_reviews 2.Forever by Judy Blume: Realistic Fiction
Developmental appropriate age:13-15
Basic Plot Summary: Two teens engage in a first love and sexual relationship.
Opposed for: teen sex, contraceptive use, teen pregnancy, drinking and drugs.
Censorship history: #7 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999 and
#16 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.64 out of 5 stars with 24,665 ratings. The story is an honest portrayal of young love. The pros include that the relationship is realistic, develops over time and the characters take part in communication about safe sex is present. Opponents feel the content is too graphic, promotes immoral values, and condones teen sex. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37743.Forever 3.Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Science Fiction/Fantasy.
Developmental appropriate age: 12-14
Basic Plot Summary: 24 teens selected from the twelve districts of the country must fight to the death in a televised reality show mandated by the government as a way to quell rebellion.
Opposed for: violence, offensive language.
Censorship history: #3 in 2011 (#5 in 2010) on the ALA most frequently challenged books list. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/top-ten-most-frequently-challenged-books-2011
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 4.46 out of 5 stars with 1,249,005 ratings. Readers who like the book applaud the intelligent, strong and independent female heroine and truly loyal hero. Critics of the book cite useless and graphic violence with no real moral value. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games 4.Witch and Wizard by James Patterson: Fantasy.
Developmental appropriate age: 11-13
Basic Plot Summary: siblings with previously unknown magical powers are arrested by the government and sentenced to execution for said powers. They must escape and fulfill their destiny, a prophecy that says only they can save the world from the evil regime.
Opposed for: violence, bad portrayal of child-adult relationships, magic.
Censorship history: None, officially, that I am aware of. However, I have had several families of students object to the wizardry in the book.
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.50 out of 5 stars with 19,788 ratings. Fans of the book liked the humor, adventure, suspense and magic of the plot events. Opponents described the characters as flat and cliché, with unrealistic teenage dialogue and violent and scary events. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6387565-witch-and-wizard 5.Twilight by Stephanie Meyer: Fantasy.
[[#|Developmental]] appropriate age: 11-13
Basic Plot Summary: a girl goes to live with her dad and discovers vampires live in his town, she falls in love with one of them.
Opposed for: violence, religion, and vampires. Censorship history: #10 in 2010 (#5 in 2009) on the ALA most frequently challenged books of 2010. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged/2010
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.59 out of 5 stars with 1,382,765 ratings. Defenders of the story cite the mostly innocent portrayal of young love, with exciting action sequences and a loyal and protective hero. Opposition to the book typically focuses on the intensity and unhealthy quality of the attraction between the young characters, the utter clumsiness and helplessness of Bella, and the fact that he is a vampire. The blood and violence is also a main complaint. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41865.Twilight 6.Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: Realistic Fiction.
Appropriate age: 14-16
Basic Plot Summary: after a friend commits suicide, the teen character decides to try and get involved and live his life instead of trying to avoid it. Opposed for: gay sex, abortion, sexual abuse, suicide, drinking, smoking, and drugs.
Censorship history: #10 in 2007 (#6 in 2008, #3 in 2009) on the ALA most frequently challenged books list. 10th most challenged book on the ALA list for 200-2009. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 4.15 out of 5 stars with 184,069 ratings. Fans of the book like that the book addresses the tough topics in an honest and relatable way. Even through the most traumatic of circumstances, the main character holds to hope and tries to find optimism in the face of anxiety and depression. It helps to give readers the comfort that they are not alone in facing life’s dilemmas. Critics feel the overwhelming amount of issues all the characters are facing is a bit too over the top. The controversial topics are blunt and disturbing. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22628.The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower 7.Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: Realistic Fiction.
Appropriate age: 14-16
Basic Plot Summary: the story of the healing process of a girl who is traumatized after a rape, feels like an outcast, and is isolated by peers.
Opposed for: rape, sexual content, cutting.
Censorship history: #60 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.96 out of 5 stars with 126,228 ratings. Advocates of this story applaud the honest portrayal of the devastation and painful experiences of a teen who feels isolated from parents and friends. It portrays the healing process and the strength of the human spirit. Critics of this story feel it is too raw and violent. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/439288.Speak 8.The Giver by Lois Lowry: Science Fiction.
Appropriate age: 10-12
Basic Plot Summary: a boy living in a utopian society receives his assignment to be the receiver of memories of all the secrets of the past. The story depicts his struggle with the choices of society.
Opposed for: violence, sexual content, euthanasia and the killing of an infant.
Censorship history: #11 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999. #23 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 4.11 out of 5 stars with 447,452 ratings. Fans of the book acknowledge that the description of a utopia with no choices, pain, hunger or sadness make the reader realize that without these experiences happiness is elusive. Critics feel the thought-provoking events may have been taken too far in the violent and needless killing of a baby, in a world where there is supposed to be no sadness. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3636.The_Giver 9.Hoops by Walter Dean Myers: Realistic Fiction.
Appropriate age: 13-15
Basic Plot Summary: a boy living in the ghetto, is hoping basketball is his ticket out.
Opposed for: profanity, slang, violence, sex, drinking, drugs and smoking.
Censorship history: challenged in 2009 Council Bluffs, IA and in Vanlue, OH. http://www.abffe.org/?page=BBWstoriesBehind http://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/books/hoops.asp
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars with 819 ratings. Supporters of this story feel the writing appeals to teens, and the story emphasizes the importance of making good decisions and the effect those decisions will have on the future. Those who do not like this story tend to be offended by the writer’s use of slang and harsh depiction of life on the streets of Harlem. The main character wants to escape his surroundings, and not become part of the gangs, but he is no angel and has no regrets about stealing and other unethical behaviors. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112216.Hoops 10.ttyl by Lauren Myracle: Realistic Fiction.
Appropriate age: 13-15
Basic Plot Summary: three 10th grade girls have crushes, fights, and rough high school adventures.
Opposed for: sexual content, drinking, drugs, profanity.
Censorship history: #1 in 2011 (#7 in 2007, #3 in 2008, #1 in 2009) on the ALA most frequently challenged books of 2011. #9 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/top-ten-most-frequently-challenged-books-2011http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.49 out of 5 stars with 8,414 ratings. Readers who like this book praise the interesting IM style of the writing, and its humor. Readers who do not like this book typically reference the explicit language and sexual content. Also, the characters make bad choices and there are no bad consequences to their actions. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/301023.ttyl 11.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling: Fantasy.
Appropriate age: 9-12
Basic Plot Summary: a young boy goes to a school for wizardry and learns of his history and magical powers. He must fight a powerful sorcerer to save the stone and his friends.
Opposed for: violence and witchcraft.
Censorship history: #48 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999. #1 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 4.34 out of 5 stars with 1,522,198 ratings. Fans of the book claim the story teaches of bravery and friendship. It is a imaginative story that is full of excitement and with a very likeable main character whom the reader wants to succeed. Critics of this story typically focus on the premise of anti-Christian sentiments of witchcraft. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone 12.James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl: Fantasy.
Appropriate age: 8-12
Basic Plot Summary: a young boy who is an orphan lives with 2 aunts who treat him like a slave. A giant peach grows in their tree and brings him friends, and outlet and escape.
Opposed for: child abuse, violence, and magic.
Censorship history: #50 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/1990_1999
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.95 out of 5 stars with 131,755 ratings. Most readers enjoy the whimsical tale of a young boy who experiences a magical event and wonderful friendships. Opponents find fault with the inclusion of magic, a disobedient child, implied sexual references, and references to drugs, tobacco and drinking. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6689.James_and_the_Giant_Peach 13.Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: Realistic Fiction.
Basic Plot Summary: a young boy and girl who come from very different backgrounds, but are both outsiders become friends. A story about friendship, death, loss and grief.
Opposed for: violence.
Censorship history: #8 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999 and #28 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.90 out of 5 stars with 139,213 ratings. Those who favor the book site a Critics of the book are opposed to the death of a child as a plot element, sexual content, offensive language, and magical elements promoting Satanism. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2839.Bridge_to_Terabithia
Dawna Webb - Controversial book summaries
1. Title: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret Author: Judy Blume Genre: Fiction
The book is about a young girl who is trying to find herself. Her parents have two very different religions that she is trying to find which religion she feels most comfortable with. She carries on conversations with God when she needs guidance. She is also dealing with the effects of growing up and going through puberty. The book has many references about religion and how it interacts with people. The issues of puberty can be graphic with bra buying and getting her first period. The reviews of this are good. Many people have said that this book has helped them through puberty. While some of the reviews say that it is recommended for only girls to read due to the changes that the book talks about. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=BlumeJ70 to read reviews on this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1980’s and was removed from school libraries within elementary schools. Within junior high schools it was required to have parental consent in order to check out the book. This book would be appropriate for students who are 9 and up.
2. Title: Blubber Author: Judy Blume Genre: Fiction
The book is about bullying within a classroom. The students within the class consistently pick on an overweight girl within the class and give her a nickname of Blubber after learning about whales in class. When a student finally stands up to the kids she is targeted for bullying too. This book has offensive language and the children are never punished for their actions toward others. The pain and suffering of Linda goes through is never fully settled and it goes throughout the entire book. The reviews of this are mixed. The reviews are saying that the book has opened up the issue of bullying in a way that allows kids to talk about. The flip side if the reviews are that there is no closure to the bullying and Linda is always looked upon as the victim. Please access http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37739.Blubber to read reviews on this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1980’s and was removed from school libraries within elementary schools. This book would be appropriate for students who are 9 and up.
3. Title: Bridge to Terabithia Author: Katherine Paterson Genre: Fiction
In Bridge to Terabithia the friendship that develops between two children that are feeling that their parents are so busy with their life that the children feel left out. The two children create a land that they can escape to. In Terabithia the children can control their lives and what happens. This book has been banned due to the limited supervise of the children by the parents and the idea of witchcraft. While some of the reviews say that this book allows children to explore the unexpected and to encourage them to use their imagination. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=PatersonK77 to read reviews on this book. The book has appeared at number eight on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books for the decade 1990–2000. This book would be appropriate for students who are 9 and up.
4. Title: Jumanji Author: Chris Van Allsburg Genre : Fantasy
Jumanji is about how siblings are looking for a way to have fun and not be so bored. While visiting a park they find a board game that looks like fun. They take it home and find out that with each roll of the dice their life begins to change. This book has offensive language and the use of witchcraft and the magical field is questionable for young children. With the real world changing with just the roll of the dice and not having the understanding of how things can be made up can cause confusion in children. In Jumanji the reviews are good for children’s book people are saying that children are able to explore their imagination. Please access the reviews on http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=VanAllsburgC81 to read about this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1980’s and was removed from school libraries within elementary schools. This book would be appropriate for students who are 7 and up.
5. Title: The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby Author: Dav Pilkey Genre: Children’s novel
The book is about how two boys get into trouble and forced to write a 100 page paper on being a good citizen. The creation that they make is a crime fighting baby and his dog. The potty humor is really yucky to parents, but kids love these books. The book has many potty jokes and references to how to do stuff with the potty in order to stop crime. The reviews of this are good. Many people have said that this book has helped them through puberty. The reviews are mixed between children and adults with the potty humor being gross. The readability of this book is a good started book to get children into reading. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=PilkeyD02 to read reviews on this book. This book would be appropriate for students who are 7 and up.
6. Title: The Golden Compass Author: Philip Pullman Genre: Fantasy
In the Golden Compass the main character Lyra is living in a parallel universe that is modeled after our own world. She has to deal with an uncle that is hunting children to bring them to the new world. There are witches to deal with and bears that are armored. She never gives up and knows she needs to fight for the truth. This book has to deal with witchcraft and anti religion comments. The Golden Compass has many good reviews from both parents and students. The reviews are saying that the book touches them and makes them think about how life can be different. To see more reviews access them at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-golden-compass-his-dark-materials-book-1. The censorship of this book started in 2007 with encouragement from Christian parents that were worried about the anti religion aspect that it would have on children. This book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
7. Title: How to Eat Fried Worms Author: Thomas Rockwell Genre: Fiction
This is another book about being bullied. The main character is new to the school and comes across the school bully. Billy is always getting sick and for once wants to feel powerful and he takes a bet that can change his life by eating 15 worms. This book has been banned due to the cursing language and the betting that takes place. While some of the reviews are low on this book from students it have some value in understanding how to become your own person. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=RockwellT73 to read reviews on this book. The book has been in question since the 1990’s due to the social aspects of the events in the book. The book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
8. Title: James and the Giant Peach Author: Ronald Dahl Genre : Fantasy
James and the Giant Peach is about a boy that lives with two very mean aunts. He escapes his old life by inventing a new family of giant insects that live in a peach. They explore the world in order to have. The book has been banned due to sexual inferences, mysticism, profanity, and the use of drugs. Please look at the reviews at http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=DahlR61 to read about this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1990’s – 2000’s and was put on the Americans Library List. This book would be appropriate for students who are 8 and up.
9. Title: Goosebumps Series Author: R. L. Stine Genre: Horror/Thriller
The Goosebumps Series are books that take place in different setting from homes to [[#|boarding schools]]. The stories are scary but have funny elements. The characters are interacting with super natural beings. These books have scary over tones and deal with occult issues. To see more reviews access them at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-golden-compass-his-dark-materials-book-1. Goosebumps was listed on the ALA list during 1990-1999 and was listed number 15th banned book and in 2000-2009 it was moved to the 94th banned book. The series was challenged for being too frightening for young people and depicting occult or satanic themes. This book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
10. Title: The Witches Author: Ronald Dahl Genre: Fiction
This book is about how three female witches want to rid the world of children by killing them. The only reason is because they create a foul stench that hurts the witches. The boy hears this story through his grandmother who he believes is making it up. The boy sees the witches and tries to rid the world of them, but gets turned into a mouse. This book has been banned due because of the violence and the sexist view of women in the book. While some of the reviews are low on this book from students it has some value in understanding how to become your own person. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=DahlR83 to read reviews on this book. The book has been on the ALA book list in the 1990 -1999 and was rated 22 on the list. The book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
11. Title: Harry Potter Series Author: J. K. Rowling Genre : Fantasy
These books are about a boy who learns that he is a wizard. He has to deal with battling evil throughout the entire series and how it can hurt him. The stories start off with the tales being in an easy natural but the books get darker as Harry grows up. The final battle causes Harry to lose a lot of friends and people he believed to be family. These books are the typical good verse evil. The book is listed on the banned list due to the witchcraft and violence within the books and how they increase in them over the course of the books. Please look at the reviews at http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=RowlingJ99z to read about this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1999 and was put on the Americans Library List. This book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
Controversial Children's Books: Hollie Long
1.And Tango Makes Three(2005) by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
This picture book, recommended for preschool to grade three students, is based on the true story of two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo. The penguins formed a couple, made a nest, and raised an egg.
Some people consider the plot of the story, two male penguins forming a couple, hatching an egg, and raising the chick to be inappropriate for a children’s book and inappropriate in general.
According to reader reviews on Amazon.com, the majority of reviewers see the book as story of family love, not homosexuality. There are some reviews that denounce the book for portraying a family with two dads, but these reviews are vastly outnumbered by the positive reviews.
According to the American Library Association, And Tango Makes Three was the most challenged book of 2010 (Office of Intellectual Freedom, n.d.)
2.Nappy Hair (1998) by Carolivia Herron
This picture book relates the story told by a little girl’s uncle at a family picnic. The little girl is teased because of her hair, and the uncle tells a story of why and how her hair is the way it is. This book is intended for elementary students.
This book is considered controversial by some people because it is perceived to make fun of the natural texture of African-American hair. While it has not yet made the American Library Association’s list of challenged books, there were several articles written addressing the controversy no long after the book’s publication. The controversy is detailed on the adversity.net website.
The reviews on Amazon.com are mostly positive. Many of the reviews point out that the book encourages African-American girls to embrace the natural beauty of their hair. There are some reviews that see the text and illustrations as demeaning.
3.The Lorax(1971) by Dr. Seuss
This picture book tells the story of how the Once-ler discovers and eventually destroys a wonderful and beautiful environment. He is repeatedly warned by the Lorax, a creature who speaks for the trees, but does not heed the warnings. In the end, the fate of the environment is in the hands of a young boy. This book is intended for elementary students.
Some people have considered this book to be against the logging industry by portraying their work in a negative way. It was actually banned in a California school in 1989 (Van Buren High School, 2009).
Now, most people see the story as a reminder to live and work within the confines of the environment, taking care of the world around them. Nearly all of the reviews on Amazon.com are positive. The negative reviews seem to have a problem with anyone advising on how to care for the environment, not necessarily the book.
4.My Mommy is Having a Baby(2005) by Dori Hillestad Butler
This picture book describes the development of a baby during pregnancy and how babies are conceived. It is told from a child’s point of view and covers each month of pregnancy.
This book is considered controversial because it goes into more detail than many people would consider appropriate for preschoolers and young elementary students. Other people welcome a book that helps explain the process of conception and pregnancy to children in terms they can understand.
The author states on her blog that this is the fourth most challenged book of 2011 (Butler, 2012). The reasons for the challenges are sex, nudity, sex education, and unsuited to age group.
Reader reviews on Amazon.com are nearly equally split. Several people think the book is too graphic, while others think the book is an excellent reference to use while discussing the topic of sex and pregnancy with children.
5.Daddy’s Roommate(1994) by Michael Willhoite
This picture book tells the story of a young boy whose parents get a divorce. After the divorce, his father gets a roommate named Frank. The narrator mentions all of the activities that his father and Frank do together. He also states that gay love is just another kind of love. This book is intended for ages 4 and up.
This book, the American Library Association’s second most challenged book from 1990-1999, is controversial because of the relationship between the narrator’s daddy and Frank.
Reader reviews on Amazon.com are generally favorable for this book. There are reviewers who insist that this book is not for children, but the majority of reviews have more of an issue with the book in general than with the topic in the book.
6.Sylvester and the Magic Pebble(1969) by William Steig
This picture book tells the story of a donkey named Sylvester. He collects pebbles of all shapes and colors. One pebble grants wishes. During a crisis, Sylvester wishes to be a rock, and his wish is granted. His parents continue to look for him, and the family has a happy ending. This book is intended for ages 6 and up.
The controversy for this book is that the police officers in the book are pigs. Linda St. Cyr states that this book began begin challenged in 1977 over 11 states (2010).
The reviews for this book are generally favorable. The negative reviews do not make note of the species of the police officers. They just do not like the story.
7.A Light in the Attic(1981) by Shel Silverstein
This collection of poems is intended for ages 6 and up. Many of the poems come with illustrations.
This book is number 51 on the American Library Association’s list of 100 most frequently challenged books from 1990-1999. It is challenged because some of the poems are interpreted to promote disobedience and disrespect.
The reviews on Amazon.com are nearly all favorable. The few unfavorable reviews make no mention of the content of the poems. These reviewers do not like the style of writing.
And Tango makes three. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Tango-Makes-Three-Justin-Richardson/product-reviews/0689878451/ref=pr_all_summary_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Van Buren High School. (2009). The Lorax: Dr. Seuss banned?!?!. Retrieved from http://drseussbanned.weebly.com/index.html Tihesha Morgan Controversy Book Summary
1. In the Night Kitchen (1970) by Maurice Sendak
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 4 and up
This picture book tells the story of a young boy that dream of a trip to the Night Kitchen. Mickey is the name of the character that goes on an adventure. Throughout his dream he travels and meets three cooks. Mickey helps to save the day by finding the missing ingredient to help the cooks make the morning cake. The controversy stems from the main character being nude. The censorship of this book began in 1972 by librarians painting diapers over the boy’s genitals and in some situations, the book was burned. The public’s view of the book for the most part support the book, but there are mixed feelings about the nudity, to see the reviews please access http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95144.In_the_Night_Kitchen .
2. Where Willy Went… (2004) by Nicholas Allan
Genre: Fiction/Humorous
Age: Pre-K through 2
This book is about Willy who is a sperm that lives with 300 million friends in Mr. Browne. Willy seems to be really good at swimming and his practice pays off when it is time for the big race. Willy wins the race by getting to the egg in Mrs. Browne first. Eventually, Mrs. Browne has the baby with the same smile as Willy and who is a great swimmer. The controversies are over the illustrations of the sperm and the egg as well as the mature nature of the topic. The censorship of this book has been since it was published in 2004 and has been banned from many libraries. The reviews of the book seem to agree that the book is appropriate for parents or with parental consent and not so much at a school setting. To access the reviews please go to http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/998256.Where_Willy_Went .
3. Happy to be Nappy (1999) by Bell Hooks
Genre: Fiction
Age: K through 2
This book is about a girl who is proud of her hair as an African American. The controversy is that the book is calling African American girls hair nappy and can be seen as offensive and stereotypical. There has not been censorship of this book as of yet, but a teacher was suspended for using the book to teach differences in children. The reviews of the book seem to be positive, http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Be-Nappy-Jump-Sun/dp/0786804270/ref=cm_lmf_tit_14#_ .
4. The Un-Wedding (1998) by Babette Cole
Genre: Fiction/Humor
Age: 6 years old and up
This story is about two children, Demetrius and Paula, who are worried about their parent playing cruel jokes on each other and disagreeing about everything. The children want their parents to get a divorce so they plan an un-wedding. The controversy over this book is that it is not a realistic approach on the topic of divorce. It seems to be making light of the situation. There has been some censorship on this book from librarians. Some librarians have banned the book from their libraries. This book has mixed reviews with either the reader really enjoying the book or really despising the book, http://www.amazon.com/The-Un-Wedding-Babette-Cole/dp/0679888985/ref=cm_lmf_tit_5 .
5. Little Zizi (2008) by Thierry Lenain
Genre: Fiction/Humor
Age: K through grade 3
This story is about a student named Martin who is bullied by Adrian because he has a small penis or zizi. Martin worries if his penis will ever be the same size as his dad’s penis. All of the boys start to tease Martin and Adrian wants to have a urinating contest with Martin to see who can pee the furthest. The book sparks controversy due to the topic of genitalia. It seems to be a mature topic to discuss at school it seems more appropriate for adults to read to their children at home. The history of censorship was challenged in 2008. There are mixed reviews of the book all the readers think the book is funny but not quite appropriate for school, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3077290-little-zizi#other_reviews .
6. The Stupids Have a Ball (1984) by Harry G. Allard
Genre: Fiction
Age: K through 2
This story is the second of a series. It is about the Stupid family members who decide to celebrate their children’s horrible report card by inviting their relatives over for a costume party. The controversy is with the usage of the language or the word “stupid”. Also, the message of the story seems to be that it is okay to be a failure hence the name of the family. Censorship of this book is on the challenged list of literary censorship in the public schools, 1950-1985. It was challenged again in 2004. The reviews for the most part are relatively negative, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/147716.The_Stupids_Have_a_Ball .
7. The Rabbits’ Wedding (1958) by Garth Williams
Genre: Fiction
Age: 4years and up
This is a story that explains marriage and love. Two rabbits decide that they would like to be together, so they decide to have a wedding. The controversy that surrounds this book is because the two rabbits are different colors, one is black and the other is white, and during the 50s and 60s it was banned because they thought that it promoted interracial marriage. Interracial marriages were against the law in some states and therefore this book was pulled off the shelves. The history of censorship shows that this book was banned in many places. The reviews of this book are mixed, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/906544.The_Rabbits_Wedding .
Terri Stewart Book #1
1. How to Eat Fried Worms
2. Author: Thomas Rockwell
3. This book is about a boy who makes a bet with one of his friends that he can eat 15 worms in 15 days. This bet stems from a conversatrion that a group of boys are having about disgusting foods.
4. This is a fiction book.
5. The parts of the book that are questionable are the bet because it is considered promoting gambling, and the eatting of the worm because it is approving the particaption of children in a unacceptiable activity.
6. The book reviews from Barnes and Nobles state that this book is a must read, funny, amazing, and the best book ever. he bulk of the people enjoyed reading the book and felt that is was appropriate for children to read.
Retrieved from, www.barnesandnoble.com
7. This novel is noted for being the 13th challenged and banned book of the 1990s in the American Libraries.
8. The developmental age for this book would be 10 and older.
Book #2
Maggie Goes on a Diet
Author: Paul Kramer
This book is about a 14 year old girl who is overweight and is being bullied about her size. Soon she learns that in order to stop the bullying she has to lose weight, and she does. She becomes friends with her bullies, and also becomes a soccer star.
This book is fiction.
This book is questionable because it contains weight loss towards children.
The book was published in 2011, and had received very critical reviews before it was published. Once the book was published it was given a new name Maggie Eats Healthier. This was done to down play the negative image about children and diets..
Retrieved from www.goodreads.com
7. This book does not have a censorship history.
8. The appropriate age for this book is ten and older. Book # 3
The Junie B. Jones Series
Author: Barbara Parks
These books are about a young girl and all the trouble that she gets into.
These books are fiction.
The situations in the books that are considered questionable they use degrading words and poor grammar.
According to the reviews on Epinions people listed their pros and cons of these books. The pros were that the books are funny that are told from a child’s point of view. The cons of the books are that they all use bad grammar in them, and this makes it hard for adults to read.Retrieved from www.epinions.com
This book was number 71 on the banned /challenged books of 2000-2009.
These books are age appropriate for children 9 and older.
Book #4
1. Bless Me, Ultima
2. Author: Rudolfo Anaya
3. This is a story of a young boy’s spiritual change in his culture, and social changes in the American Southwest during World War II.
4. This book is historical fiction.5.
5. The book contains adult language, violent content, and some references of sex to create questionable situations.
6.The general public gave mixed reviews about this book. Some people felt this book was boring, and others enjoyed reading it.
Retrieved from www.goodreads.com
7. This book has been included on the list of commonly challenged books in the United States since 2008.
8This book is appropriate for ages 10 and older.
Book #5
1. Deenie
2. Author: Judy Blume
3. This book is about a teenage girl who is dealing with a medical condition, an overbearing mother, and life.
4. This book is fiction/young adult literature.
5. The pats of the book that are considered questionable are the parts when she is discussing touching her private parts to fall asleep and in the shower. This is questionable because it deals with masturbation, a sexual act.
6. For the most part the comments on goodreads.com all speak of the girl and her dealing with her medical condition along with other family issues. There is not a comment that speaks on the subject of her masturbating.
Retrieved from www.goodreads.com
7. The book was number 42 on the 100 most frequently Challenged Books of 119-2000.
8. This book is appropriate for children who are 13 and older.
Book # 6
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing UP, Sex, and Sexual Health
Author: Robbie Harris
This is a children’s book about going through puberty.
This is a non-fiction book.
The book is considered questionable because it addresses the human body, and sexuality.
The general public found this book to be very informative, and it covers topics that children and teens have questions about. The book addresses these issues in a fun productive manner.
Retrieved from www.robieharris.com
7.The book is considered highly controversial and is number 12 on the American Library Associations Most Challenged Books of 2000-2009
8.This book is age appropriate for children ages 10 and older.
. Book # 7
It’s So Amazing: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Babies, and Families.
Author: Robbie Harris
This book is about pregnancy, childbirth, sexual development, love reproduction, STDs, and more.
This is a non-fiction book.
The content of the entire book and the pictures are some questionable situations from this year.
The comments on the Amazon web page gives the book high praises. The readers felt that this book was tastefully done.
Retrieved from www.amazon.com
7. This book was number ten in the 2005 ALA’s #1 most challenged books, and it is currently now number 37 on the ALA‘s 100 most banned books of the 21th century. .
8.The developmental age of children 10 and older.
Robyn Gartenlaub Controversial books
1. In Our Mothers' House(2009) ByPatrica Polacco Genre:Fiction Age: 5years and up
This is a story about a married lesbian couple who adopts three children. The story is written from the little girls’ perspective, her memories and how wonderful it was to grow up with two loving parents. The holidays they shared and most of all that a family is love, not who raises you. The controversy around this book is that fact that three adopted children are being raised by a same sex couple. The reviews state that this book is too risky for young children and should be kept out of our school libraries. The history of this book is that it has been band from many school libraries but not public libraries. http://www.rainbowrumpus.org/grown-ups/book-review-our-mothers-house-patricia-polacco
2. The Stupids Have a Ball (1984) By Harry G. Allard
Genre: Fiction
Age: K and up
This is a story about a family who celebrates their children's failing grades. They decided to invite their relatives over for a costume party to celebrate their lack of effort to even try in school. The controversy around this book is the use of the word "stupid" and that they are celebrating their failures. This book has been on and off the literary censorship in public schools since the 1950's throughout the 1985 and challenged again in the past 10 years. This book has had many negative reviews along with the other books in this series. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/147716.The_Stupids_Have_a_Ball
3. Where The Wild Things Are (1963) By Maurice Sendak Genre: Fantasy Age: K and up This story is about a little boy is dressed like a wolf and will not calm down, the mother sends him to his room and he throws a temper tantrum. He is sent to his room with out dinner and "runs away" to a land of wild things. The controversy surrounding this picture book is that use of fictional creators which some saw as witch craft and the young child's behavior towards his mother. This book was banned at first and received negative reviews but as the years have gone on it has made the top 100's children's literary review and received Caldecott Medal in 1964. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_the_Wild_Things_Are
5. Daddy's Roommate (1994) By Michael Willhoite
Genre: Fiction
Age: 4 and up
This story takes place from the son's point of view. It begins with his parents divorce and his daddy's "new roommate". This book was written to explain to children that families can come in many different forms. The controversy behind this book is daddy's new friend, leaving a marriage for a same sex partner. This book was banned from school and public libraries in the 1990's by community members who claimed the book was lost after taking the book out of the library. In the 1990's this book got a lot of negative reviews but since the 2000's its received more positive reviews. https://sites.google.com/site/thesisactivities/daddy-s-roommate
6. Rose Blanche (1985) Christophe Gallaz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: Second and up
This a story that takes place during World War II through the eye of a non-Jewish girl who sees a little boy getting arrested by the Nazi's and taken to the concentration camp in the woods. She brings the prisoners food until one day she is shot and killed. The controversy behind this book is that it's not for young children. The critics suggest that its for older children who know something about the holocaust. this book got nothing but positive reviews for how it was written and that it teaches young children courage and strength. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830051.Rose_Blanche
7. The Story of Babar (1937) Jean De Brunhoff Genre: Fiction Age: 4 and up The story of Babar is about an elephants adventures after his mother is killed by hunters. He travels to the city, gets a new look, marries his cousin and becomes king. The controversy behind this story is that some view this as a colonialis m or socialist view point. The review on this story throughout the decades is one that children and adults love this story and most do not see the things that are politically incorrect. This book was never banned from libraries, but there is a group of people who do not agree with this story. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394805755?ie=UTF8&tag=mytwbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0394805755
8. The Five Chinese Brothers (1996) By: Claire Huchet Bishop
Genre: Fiction
age: 4 and up
this story is about five brothers who use their special powers to save the first brother from being executed. The story is clever, funny and a joy to read. The controversy behind this book is it can be considered politically incorrect, racial stereotypes and violence. This story was banned for a short period of time in the 1990's in California public schools but since then has been brought back. The reviews for this story were mostly positive except for the few groups of people who found this story politically incorrect. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394805755?ie=UTF8&tag=mytwbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0394805755 9. The Lorax (1971) By: Dr. Seuss Genre: Fantasy Age: 6 and up This is a story about saving the environment, waste not water nor air. What happens if we run out of clean air or clean water. The story is told by the Once-ler a world that had clean air and water, now this world they have to use processed clean air and water. The controversy around this story is that at the time when it was written there was no worries about the diminish of our natural resources. The fact that humans could diminish our resources. This book has never been censored or banned but did have some controversy behind it. The reviews all show that young or old everyone enjoys The Lorax and many other Dr. Seuss books. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394805755?ie=UTF8&tag=mytwbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0394805755
10. Smoky Night (1999) Eve Bunting
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age: K and up
This story is based on the L.A. riots, a boy and his mother are forced out of their apartment during riots. This book tries to bring many races together especially African-Americans and Koreans. The controversy behind this story is the violence and that just by saying "Can't we all just get along" we should all get along and under playing racism and anger between the races. This book was banned from some school libraries but not public libraries. The reviews were mixed but most of the reviews state that the story plays out nicely, written well and bright colors. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/616833.Smoky_Night
11. Bud no Buddy (1999) by: Christopher Paul Curtis
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: 3rd-8th
Bud Not Buddy is about a little African-American boy during the early 1930's who was left as an orphan and raised in an orphanage because his mother died and he didn't know his father. A family finally adopts him and treats him beyond horrible, he runs away to find who he thinks his father might be and ends up finding his grandfather. Throughout the story he ends up touching hearts around him while going on adventures and traveling with his grandpa who plays in a jazz band. The reviews put out on this book show both children you and old really enjoy reading this funny, yet sensitive story. The controversy was in the earlier years and was removed from public schools but remained on the public libraries. You can find this book in public schools now. http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/bud-not-buddy-discussion-guide
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Ricki Lynch- Controversial and Banned Books
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Young adult; fiction Speak is the story of a girl who feels she has lost her voice. After calling the cops on a party at her house she feels no one likes her anymore. When what really happened at the party is what’s eating her away.
The story is banned for its subject matter; Melinda was raped at the party and many people think rape should not be discussed with young adults. According to a post in the school library journal the book has been called immoral, filthy, and “soft porn.” http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/886910-312/andersons_speak_under_attack_again.html.csp
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Young adult; science fiction written in narrative form Flowers for Algernon tells the story of Charlie Gordon who is a man with mental retardation who undergoes a scientific experiment to see if his disability can be cured. The narrative is written in “Progress Reports” written by Charlie as he goes through the experiments and the changes in his life.
The story is banned or thought controversial because of the intense love scenes that occur between Charlie and his teacher. It has been called pornographic or too sexually graphic. #47 on 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000. According to GoodReads, Flowers for Algernon is a wonderful portrayal of human nature and science fiction. One major problem the reviewers have is that the versions that they use in schools are most often abridged or adapted to leave out the sexual scenes and they feel this takes away from the story. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18373.Flowers_for_Algernonhttp://suvudu.com/2008/10/challenged-and-banned-flowers-for-algernon.html The Giver by Lois Lowry
Young adult 13-15; science fiction/ fantasy The Giver tells the story of a community run by Elders in a place with no war, violence, or suffering. Everything is decided for you and if you choose not to listen you will be terminated. The book is banned because of suicide, murder, and mind control. #11 on ALA’s list of Most Challenged Titles 1990-1999 and #23 on the same list from 2000-2009. People feel that the desensitization of euthanasia and suicide are not appropriate for this age group and that the pill popping and lethal injections took the book too far. http://bannedbooks.world.edu/2011/03/27/banned-books-awareness-giver-lois-lowry/
Forever by Judy Blume
Ages 13-15, young adult; realistic fiction Forever is the story of a first love between two teenagers. They are trying to decide whether to make their relationship more physical and negotiate taking it to the next level, sexually.
The book is banned due to its obvious sexual nature, drugs, and drinking. #7 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999 and #16 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009. According to reviews on GoodReads reviewers feel that the book is realistic. Many did feel it was extremely graphic at times; one reviewer said it seemed like a “how to manual” at one point.
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picolt
Young adult; realistic fiction My Sister’s Keeper shares the story of a family who does whatever it takes to keep their oldest daughter alive. They change the whole family dynamic and jeopardize their own marriage to keep her alive and fighting while living with Leukemia.
This book is challenged often due to homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoints, sexism, and violence. # 7 most challenged book in 2009 on the ALA Most Challenged List. Readers ask the same questions, when is it morally right to take someone else’s life to save another? How does good parenting look when one child is being harmed to save another? http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Young adult, historical fiction Uncle Tom’s Cabin is about two slaves that have to make some life changing decisions. They struggle with the decision of running away to be free or staying with the ones they love. It is controversial because of the treatment of slaves and the negative connotation of African Americans as well as the “N” word. People have challenged it's effectiveness for years, especially in the south where it has been removed from many school libraries.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Young adult, ages12-15; realistic fiction The Outsiders tells the story of two gangs who are constantly fighting for turf while fighting their societal classes at the same time. It has been seen as controversial because of gang violence, drug and alcohol use, profanity, and the image of gang members coming from broken homes. It is ranked #43 on the American Library Association’s Top 100 Most Challenged Books of 1990-2000. Parents felt that the book introduced mature topics too early in middle school and that it condoned non Christian values. http://bannedbooks.world.edu/2011/05/08/banned-books-awareness-outsiders/
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Young adult; realistic fiction The Absolutely True Diary of a Part time Indian tells of a Native American teenager who has grown up on the reservation. His parents decide to enroll him in an all white high school and the story presents many of the same challenges that teenagers face today in their schools. The book has been challenged for it negative portrayal of Native Americans, description of sexual acts, as well as it’s inappropriate and vulgar language. The book has been challenged many times by parents since 2007. It has been banned from many school libraries since then as well. One parent felt that the book was inappropriate for the community and others said there is no way any parent should allow their child to read the book.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Young adult; adventure
In this story a domesticated dog reverts back to his instincts of a wild dog after being used as a sled dog. The book is often challenged due to it violent, cruel images throughout as well as the idea of animal cruelty. The book was banned in Yugolslavia and Italy for being “too radical.” The book was also burned in Nazi fires for this same reason.
Sophie’s Choice is the story of a fired novelist who sets out to begin his own writing career. On his way he meets some other characters. The novelist falls in love with the woman, Sophie, who was a prisoner in a concentration camp. They grow closer as she learns more disturbing lies about her own husband. This book is controversial because of the sexual content and negative connotations of Jews, Polish, and Germans. This book has been pulled of the shelf as recently as 2002, a complain from the ACLU allowed for it’s return at the particular school. Most critics of the book enjoyed it and felt a real, emotional connection with it even with the controversial issues.
Rasheeda Robinson Controversial Books
1. Title: Captain Underpants
Author: Dav Pilky
Description: This series follows the adventures of a superhero that is created by two the two main characters Harold and George.
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Questionable situations: displays violence, inappropriate for targeted age group, against family
Public Opinion: 3.73 avg rating — 8,119 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Censorship: # 6 2002
Age Group: 7-10
2. Title: Guess What
Author: Mem fox
Description: The reader must guess the answers to questions about the story’s main character Daisy O’ Grady
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Questionable situations: promotes witchcraft, profanity, & inappropriate for age group
Public Opinion: 3.58 avg rating — 98 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Censorship: #66 1990- 2000
Age Group: K-3
3. Title: King & King
Author: Linda de Haan
Description: The prince is requested to find a mate so that he may become king but his quest for love has a surprise ending.
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Questionable situations: depicts homosexuality
Public Opinion: has been reviewed by School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book Magazine, Publisher’s Weekly via www.wikipedia.org
Censorship: 2003
Age Group: 5 – 8 years
4. Title: It’s Perfectly Normal
Author: Robie Harris
Description: provides and in depth account of sexuality covering topics such as how babies are conceived, puberty, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Genre: Sex Education
Questionable situations: discusses sexuality and homosexuality, displays nudity,
Public Opinion: 4.05 avg rating — 333 ratings via www.goodreads.com received awards from Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal “Best Book of the Year”, the American Library Association and the New York Times “Notable Book of the Year”, and the San Francisco Chronicle “The Century’s Best Children’s Books” via www.wikipedia.org
Censorship: # 12 2000- 2009
Age Group: Grades 5 -8
5. Title: Junie B. Jones
Author: Barbara Park
Description: This series follows an inquisitive elementary aged students who depicts the misconceptions of children her age and adventures that occur because of these misconceptions.
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Questionable situations: encourages disobedience & disrespect of adults, uses inappropriate language such as “stupid” and “dumb”, uses inventive spelling and poor grammar
Public Opinion: 4.10 avg rating — 1,096 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Censorship: 2001-2009
Age Group: K-3
6. Title: Halloween ABC
Author: Eve Merriam
Description: uses the alphabet to depict and describe Halloween.
Genre: Childrens Fiction
Questionable situations: inappropriate for age group, frightening illustrations
Public Opinion:3.52 avg rating — 94 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Censorship: 1990- 2000
Age Group: Kindergarten & above
7. Title: Crazy Lady
Author: Jane Leslie Conly
Description: The main character, Vernon befriends questionable characters after the death of his mother.
Genre: Fiction
Questionable situations: uses language that is offensive
Public Opinion: 3.51 avg rating — 367 ratings via www.goodreads.com, Newberry Honor Book via www.wikipedia.org
Censorship: 2005
Author: Sarah Brannen
Description: This story is about a young girl feeling displaced after her favorite uncle gets married to his boyfriend.
Genre: Fiction, Family Life & Social Issues
Questionable situations: depicts homosexuality and deemed inappropriate for the target age group.
Censorship: 2008
Public Opinion: 3.70 avg rating — 128 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Age Group: 4- 8 years
JESUS SANDOVAL
Book
Description
Genre
“Questionable” Aspect
Opinion
History
Age
Rabbit, Run, by John Updike
Follow Rabbitt as he looks goes through the world looking for meaning.
Fiction
sexual references and profanity
A generational book that spoke to the young and aspiring.
Possessed elements that “attacked” the idea(s) of a family.
“Restricted to high school students with parental permission in the six Aroostock County, ME community high school libraries (1976) because of passages in the book dealing with sex and an extramarital affair.”
11-12th
Cat's Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut
What will the world look like in the future?
What new religions will emerge? How will the world end?
Sci – fi
Critiques religion and idea of man’s purpose.
Considered Vonnegut’s masterpiece and adored by sci-fi aficionados.
The Strongsville, Ohio School Board (1972) voted to withdraw this title from the school library; this action was overturned in 1976 by a U.S. District Court in Minarcini v. Strongsville City School District, 541 F. 2d 577 (6th Cir. 1976).
10th
In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote
How is an entire family murdered?
What kind of people could do such a thing?
How does it effect a country community?
Historical fiction
Offers a haunting vicarious insight to a shocking murder.
Loved by the masses and the truths that it shares. Gained new light in recent years with a movie version that won Phillip Seymour Hoffman an Academy award.
Banned, but later reinstated after community protests at the Windsor Forest High School in Savannah, GA (2000). The controversy began in early 1999 when a parent complained about sex, violence, and profanity in the book that was part of an Advanced Placement English Class.
11-12th
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Is it alright to go looking for love when one is married?
Modern Fiction
Follows a “loose” woman’s infidelity.
Endorsed by feminist.
First published in 1899, this novel so disturbed critics and the public that it was banished for decades afterward.
11th-12th
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
What have you done my son?
A look at the future where youth go wild and pay for their sins.
Fiction
objectionable language. Celebrates
Cult following of book and movie.
In 1973 a bookseller in Orem, UT was arrested for selling the novel. Charges were later dropped, but the book seller was forced to close the store and relocate to another city.
12th
Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence
Lovers are taken; but at what price?
Fiction
Extra-marital sex and prostitution.
Respected, now, as a book looks at the effects of industrialism on mankind.
Dissemination of Lawrence’s novel has been stopped in China (1987) because the book “will corrupt the minds of young people and is also against the Chinese tradition.”
11th-12th
Go Tell It on the Mountain, by James Baldwin
What earns a father’s love?
Fiction
recurring themes of rape, masturbation, violence and degrading treatment of women
On many “required reading list.”
Challenged as required reading in the Hudson Falls, NY schools (1994) because the book has recurring themes of rape, masturbation, violence, and degrading treatment of women.
9th
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
What is the meaning of war?
What is it to survive?
War fiction
Celebrates war
A futuristic war tale that looks at the act of how man act during war times.
Challenged at the Owensboro, KY High School library (1985) because of "foul language, a section depicting a picture of an act of bestiality, a reference to 'Magic Fingers' attached to the protagonist's bed to help him sleep, and the sentence: 'The gun made a ripping sound like the opening of the fly of God Almighty."'
10th
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
A love story while despair knocks on the door.
Historical romance
Developed into a film considered the number one movie of all time.
Challenged in Waukegan, IL School District (1984) because the novel uses the word "nigger."
10th
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Love and heartbreak abroad.
Historical fiction
sex, (Italy) account of battle retreat
A Hemingway classic that celebrates love and free will.
The June 1929 issue of Scribner's Magazine, which ran Hemingway's novel, was banned in Boston, MA (1929).
1.Beloved, by Toni Morrison 1987
Grades 11-12
Post Modern Literature/Historical Fiction
This is a story of post-civil war African-Americans. The main character has escaped from slavery and kills her daughters to avoid having them taken into slavery. She is haunted by the ghost of one of her daughters.
Banned or censored in Florida, 1995 & 1998; Illinois, 2006; Idaho, 2007 and Kentucky, 2007. Reasons for objections: sexual materials and obscene language.
Public opinion is that it is a well written and powerful story, but very disturbing to many people.
References: http:/www.ala.org and goodreads.com
2. Merriam-Webster and American Heritage Dictionary
All Ages
Reference Book
Dictionaries printed by these two [[#|publishing houses]] were banned in California, 2010. The reason is that they contain definitions for "oral sex".
References: http://huffingtonpost.com
3. Slaughter House Five, by Kurt Vonnegut 1969
Grades 10-12
Fiction
The story follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a WW1 survivor. His war memories as well as imaginary trips to an extraterrestrial planet are interspersed as he recollects the war after a visit from a fellow survivor.
Banned in numerous places, including, North Dakota, 1973(the book was actually burned); New York 1975; Wisconsin 1984; and Kentucky 1985. Reasons include sexuality, profanity, violence and references to religious matters.
References: http://ala.org and goodreads.com
Irish Brown-Assignment 7-Controversial Book Summaries
1. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Children Ages 4-8 years old
Fiction
And Tango Makes Three is a story of two male penguins who live together in the Central Park Zoo where they fall in love. The couple see other male and female couples hatching eggs together, so they decide to hatch a rock in hopes it will turn into a baby. The couple is eventually given an egg to care for and love. When the egg hatches Tango is born and the three become a family. (Publishers Weekly)
The controversy with this book is the idea of same sex marriage introduced to young children through the viewpoint of two penguins. The story continues to use lines such as, “They must be in love” and the pictures depict the two penguins affectionately spending time together. This book is written for children within the ages of four years old to eight years old. This would be for children in preschool through grades two or three. This could create confusion in young children if this book is read independently by young children, and parents may want to read this book with their children in order to answer questions or explain the topic of same sex marriage. goldmedalbooks.wordpress.com/.../controversial-childrens-books/
The public opinion of this book appears to be mixed in that some parents recommend the book to children and other parents to read and some parents discourage the book due to the topic of same sex marriage. However, the book has an average rating of four stars according to Customer Reviews at barnesandnoble.com.
Parnell, Peter. Richardson, Justin. And Tango Makes Three. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Children. 2005.
2. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
3-6 years old
Fiction
In the Night Kitchen is a story about a young boy who has a dream that he visits a baker’s kitchen during the night when the bakers are baking. In Mickey’s dream, however, he is naked in the baker’s kitchen. The pictures in the story are realistic, and some of the pages display Mickey without clothes. Due to the nudity displayed in the pictures, In the Night Kitchen was banned from school libraries. This story has a rating of four out of five stars. www.commonsensemedia.org
Sendak, Maurice. In the Night Kitchen. HarperCollins Publishers. Anniversary Edition. 1996.
3. The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen
Children ages 5-8
Fairy Tale
The Emperor’s New Clothes is a classic fairy tale originally written by Hans Christian Andersen. It is the story of an emperor who valued his clothes, and when two weavers offer to create new clothes made out of new material the emperor agrees not knowing the new material really does not exist. When the emperor wears his new clothes in public he is really naked. The average customer review was five stars according to amazon.com customer reviews.
Andersen, Hans Christian. The Emperor’s New Clothes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2004.
4. Where Willy Went by Nicholas Allan
Children ages 4-8
Fiction
Where Willy Went is a story of the human reproduction cycle written and illustrated for young children. The average customer review for this book was four out of five stars according to google books.
Allan, Nicholas. Where Willy Went. Random House Children’s Books. 2011.
5. Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak
Children Ages 4-7
Fiction
Bumble-Ardy is a story about a pig who is being raised by his aunt after the death of his parents. The controversy with this story is the introduction of death to young children. www.squidoo.com/controversial-childrens-books-of-all-time The story has an average customer rating of 4.5 according to amazon.com.
Sendak, Maurice. Bumble-Ardy. HarperCollins Publishers. 2011.
6. Maggie Goes on a Diet by Paul M. Krammer
Children ages 8-12
Fiction
Maggie Goes on a Diet is a story about a fourteen year old girl who loses weight and becomes the school soccer star. It is controversial because of the topic of weight loss in a young girl who is still growing and developing. The average customer rating is 1.5 out of five according to barnesandnoble.com
Krammer, Paul M. Maggie Goes on a Diet. Aloha Publishers LLC. 2011.
7. Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron
Children ages 3-7
Fiction
Nappy Hair is a story about a little girl named Brenda and how her hair became the way it was. This book is controversial because of the term “nappy hair.” This story has an average customer review of 4.2 out of five according to amazon.com.
Herron, Carolivia. Nappy Hair. Random House Children’s Books. 1998
Welcome Class
Here is where we will discuss and share our controversial books.
Enjoy the dialogue.
Lynne
Assignment 7-Elizabeth Foster-13 Controversial book summaries (I hope this is how we were to share and post this information, if not, I apologize!)
1. Daughters of Eve by Lois Duncan: Realistic Fiction.
Developmental appropriate age: 14-16
Basic Plot Summary: A girls’ high school club seeks revenge on males who have oppressed or done them wrong.
Opposed for: profanity, sexual content, violence and anti-feminist ideals.
Censorship history: Objected to by parents at Lowell Middle School in Indiana. http://www.abffe.org/?page=BBWstoriesBehind
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.57 out of 5 stars with 1,696 ratings. Readers seemed to either love or hate the book. Those who are fans of the book appreciate the chauvinistic struggles the girls in the story have, but acknowledge that the story depicts actions gone out of control. Those who dislike the book often claim the radical actions of the characters are proof that feminism is a terrible idea which leads to dire consequences.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47762.Daughters_of_Eve#other_reviews
2. Forever by Judy Blume: Realistic Fiction
Developmental appropriate age:13-15
Basic Plot Summary: Two teens engage in a first love and sexual relationship.
Opposed for: teen sex, contraceptive use, teen pregnancy, drinking and drugs.
Censorship history: #7 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999 and
#16 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/ frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.64 out of 5 stars with 24,665 ratings. The story is an honest portrayal of young love. The pros include that the relationship is realistic, develops over time and the characters take part in communication about safe sex is present. Opponents feel the content is too graphic, promotes immoral values, and condones teen sex.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37743.Forever
3. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Science Fiction/Fantasy.
Developmental appropriate age: 12-14
Basic Plot Summary: 24 teens selected from the twelve districts of the country must fight to the death in a televised reality show mandated by the government as a way to quell rebellion.
Opposed for: violence, offensive language.
Censorship history: #3 in 2011 (#5 in 2010) on the ALA most frequently challenged books list.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/top-ten-most-frequently-challenged-books-2011
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 4.46 out of 5 stars with 1,249,005 ratings. Readers who like the book applaud the intelligent, strong and independent female heroine and truly loyal hero. Critics of the book cite useless and graphic violence with no real moral value.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games
4. Witch and Wizard by James Patterson: Fantasy.
Developmental appropriate age: 11-13
Basic Plot Summary: siblings with previously unknown magical powers are arrested by the government and sentenced to execution for said powers. They must escape and fulfill their destiny, a prophecy that says only they can save the world from the evil regime.
Opposed for: violence, bad portrayal of child-adult relationships, magic.
Censorship history: None, officially, that I am aware of. However, I have had several families of students object to the wizardry in the book.
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.50 out of 5 stars with 19,788 ratings. Fans of the book liked the humor, adventure, suspense and magic of the plot events. Opponents described the characters as flat and cliché, with unrealistic teenage dialogue and violent and scary events.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6387565-witch-and-wizard
5. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer: Fantasy.
[[#|Developmental]] appropriate age: 11-13
Basic Plot Summary: a girl goes to live with her dad and discovers vampires live in his town, she falls in love with one of them.
Opposed for: violence, religion, and vampires. Censorship history: #10 in 2010 (#5 in 2009) on the ALA most frequently challenged books of 2010. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged/2010
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.59 out of 5 stars with 1,382,765 ratings. Defenders of the story cite the mostly innocent portrayal of young love, with exciting action sequences and a loyal and protective hero. Opposition to the book typically focuses on the intensity and unhealthy quality of the attraction between the young characters, the utter clumsiness and helplessness of Bella, and the fact that he is a vampire. The blood and violence is also a main complaint.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41865.Twilight
6. Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: Realistic Fiction.
Appropriate age: 14-16
Basic Plot Summary: after a friend commits suicide, the teen character decides to try and get involved and live his life instead of trying to avoid it. Opposed for: gay sex, abortion, sexual abuse, suicide, drinking, smoking, and drugs.
Censorship history: #10 in 2007 (#6 in 2008, #3 in 2009) on the ALA most frequently challenged books list. 10th most challenged book on the ALA list for 200-2009.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 4.15 out of 5 stars with 184,069 ratings. Fans of the book like that the book addresses the tough topics in an honest and relatable way. Even through the most traumatic of circumstances, the main character holds to hope and tries to find optimism in the face of anxiety and depression. It helps to give readers the comfort that they are not alone in facing life’s dilemmas. Critics feel the overwhelming amount of issues all the characters are facing is a bit too over the top. The controversial topics are blunt and disturbing.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22628.The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower
7. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: Realistic Fiction.
Appropriate age: 14-16
Basic Plot Summary: the story of the healing process of a girl who is traumatized after a rape, feels like an outcast, and is isolated by peers.
Opposed for: rape, sexual content, cutting.
Censorship history: #60 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.96 out of 5 stars with 126,228 ratings. Advocates of this story applaud the honest portrayal of the devastation and painful experiences of a teen who feels isolated from parents and friends. It portrays the healing process and the strength of the human spirit. Critics of this story feel it is too raw and violent.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/439288.Speak
8. The Giver by Lois Lowry: Science Fiction.
Appropriate age: 10-12
Basic Plot Summary: a boy living in a utopian society receives his assignment to be the receiver of memories of all the secrets of the past. The story depicts his struggle with the choices of society.
Opposed for: violence, sexual content, euthanasia and the killing of an infant.
Censorship history: #11 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999. #23 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 4.11 out of 5 stars with 447,452 ratings. Fans of the book acknowledge that the description of a utopia with no choices, pain, hunger or sadness make the reader realize that without these experiences happiness is elusive. Critics feel the thought-provoking events may have been taken too far in the violent and needless killing of a baby, in a world where there is supposed to be no sadness.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3636.The_Giver
9. Hoops by Walter Dean Myers: Realistic Fiction.
Appropriate age: 13-15
Basic Plot Summary: a boy living in the ghetto, is hoping basketball is his ticket out.
Opposed for: profanity, slang, violence, sex, drinking, drugs and smoking.
Censorship history: challenged in 2009 Council Bluffs, IA and in Vanlue, OH. http://www.abffe.org/?page=BBWstoriesBehind
http://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/books/hoops.asp
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars with 819 ratings. Supporters of this story feel the writing appeals to teens, and the story emphasizes the importance of making good decisions and the effect those decisions will have on the future. Those who do not like this story tend to be offended by the writer’s use of slang and harsh depiction of life on the streets of Harlem. The main character wants to escape his surroundings, and not become part of the gangs, but he is no angel and has no regrets about stealing and other unethical behaviors.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112216.Hoops
10. ttyl by Lauren Myracle: Realistic Fiction.
Appropriate age: 13-15
Basic Plot Summary: three 10th grade girls have crushes, fights, and rough high school adventures.
Opposed for: sexual content, drinking, drugs, profanity.
Censorship history: #1 in 2011 (#7 in 2007, #3 in 2008, #1 in 2009) on the ALA most frequently challenged books of 2011. #9 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/top-ten-most-frequently-challenged-books-2011 http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.49 out of 5 stars with 8,414 ratings. Readers who like this book praise the interesting IM style of the writing, and its humor. Readers who do not like this book typically reference the explicit language and sexual content. Also, the characters make bad choices and there are no bad consequences to their actions.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/301023.ttyl
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling: Fantasy.
Appropriate age: 9-12
Basic Plot Summary: a young boy goes to a school for wizardry and learns of his history and magical powers. He must fight a powerful sorcerer to save the stone and his friends.
Opposed for: violence and witchcraft.
Censorship history: #48 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999. #1 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 4.34 out of 5 stars with 1,522,198 ratings. Fans of the book claim the story teaches of bravery and friendship. It is a imaginative story that is full of excitement and with a very likeable main character whom the reader wants to succeed. Critics of this story typically focus on the premise of anti-Christian sentiments of witchcraft.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone
12. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl: Fantasy.
Appropriate age: 8-12
Basic Plot Summary: a young boy who is an orphan lives with 2 aunts who treat him like a slave. A giant peach grows in their tree and brings him friends, and outlet and escape.
Opposed for: child abuse, violence, and magic.
Censorship history: #50 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/1990_1999
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.95 out of 5 stars with 131,755 ratings. Most readers enjoy the whimsical tale of a young boy who experiences a magical event and wonderful friendships. Opponents find fault with the inclusion of magic, a disobedient child, implied sexual references, and references to drugs, tobacco and drinking.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6689.James_and_the_Giant_Peach
13. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: Realistic Fiction.
Basic Plot Summary: a young boy and girl who come from very different backgrounds, but are both outsiders become friends. A story about friendship, death, loss and grief.
Opposed for: violence.
Censorship history: #8 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999 and #28 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade
General public opinion, as determined according to goodreads.com reviews: This book received an overall rating of 3.90 out of 5 stars with 139,213 ratings. Those who favor the book site a Critics of the book are opposed to the death of a child as a plot element, sexual content, offensive language, and magical elements promoting Satanism.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2839.Bridge_to_Terabithia
Dawna Webb - Controversial book summaries
1. Title: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret Author: Judy Blume Genre: Fiction
The book is about a young girl who is trying to find herself. Her parents have two very different religions that she is trying to find which religion she feels most comfortable with. She carries on conversations with God when she needs guidance. She is also dealing with the effects of growing up and going through puberty. The book has many references about religion and how it interacts with people. The issues of puberty can be graphic with bra buying and getting her first period. The reviews of this are good. Many people have said that this book has helped them through puberty. While some of the reviews say that it is recommended for only girls to read due to the changes that the book talks about. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=BlumeJ70 to read reviews on this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1980’s and was removed from school libraries within elementary schools. Within junior high schools it was required to have parental consent in order to check out the book. This book would be appropriate for students who are 9 and up.
2. Title: Blubber Author: Judy Blume Genre: Fiction
The book is about bullying within a classroom. The students within the class consistently pick on an overweight girl within the class and give her a nickname of Blubber after learning about whales in class. When a student finally stands up to the kids she is targeted for bullying too. This book has offensive language and the children are never punished for their actions toward others. The pain and suffering of Linda goes through is never fully settled and it goes throughout the entire book. The reviews of this are mixed. The reviews are saying that the book has opened up the issue of bullying in a way that allows kids to talk about. The flip side if the reviews are that there is no closure to the bullying and Linda is always looked upon as the victim. Please access http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37739.Blubber to read reviews on this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1980’s and was removed from school libraries within elementary schools. This book would be appropriate for students who are 9 and up.
3. Title: Bridge to Terabithia Author: Katherine Paterson Genre: Fiction
In Bridge to Terabithia the friendship that develops between two children that are feeling that their parents are so busy with their life that the children feel left out. The two children create a land that they can escape to. In Terabithia the children can control their lives and what happens. This book has been banned due to the limited supervise of the children by the parents and the idea of witchcraft. While some of the reviews say that this book allows children to explore the unexpected and to encourage them to use their imagination. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=PatersonK77 to read reviews on this book. The book has appeared at number eight on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books for the decade 1990–2000. This book would be appropriate for students who are 9 and up.
4. Title: Jumanji Author: Chris Van Allsburg Genre : Fantasy
Jumanji is about how siblings are looking for a way to have fun and not be so bored. While visiting a park they find a board game that looks like fun. They take it home and find out that with each roll of the dice their life begins to change. This book has offensive language and the use of witchcraft and the magical field is questionable for young children. With the real world changing with just the roll of the dice and not having the understanding of how things can be made up can cause confusion in children. In Jumanji the reviews are good for children’s book people are saying that children are able to explore their imagination. Please access the reviews on http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=VanAllsburgC81 to read about this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1980’s and was removed from school libraries within elementary schools. This book would be appropriate for students who are 7 and up.
5. Title: The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby Author: Dav Pilkey Genre: Children’s novel
The book is about how two boys get into trouble and forced to write a 100 page paper on being a good citizen. The creation that they make is a crime fighting baby and his dog. The potty humor is really yucky to parents, but kids love these books. The book has many potty jokes and references to how to do stuff with the potty in order to stop crime. The reviews of this are good. Many people have said that this book has helped them through puberty. The reviews are mixed between children and adults with the potty humor being gross. The readability of this book is a good started book to get children into reading. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=PilkeyD02 to read reviews on this book. This book would be appropriate for students who are 7 and up.
6. Title: The Golden Compass Author: Philip Pullman Genre: Fantasy
In the Golden Compass the main character Lyra is living in a parallel universe that is modeled after our own world. She has to deal with an uncle that is hunting children to bring them to the new world. There are witches to deal with and bears that are armored. She never gives up and knows she needs to fight for the truth. This book has to deal with witchcraft and anti religion comments. The Golden Compass has many good reviews from both parents and students. The reviews are saying that the book touches them and makes them think about how life can be different. To see more reviews access them at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-golden-compass-his-dark-materials-book-1. The censorship of this book started in 2007 with encouragement from Christian parents that were worried about the anti religion aspect that it would have on children. This book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
7. Title: How to Eat Fried Worms Author: Thomas Rockwell Genre: Fiction
This is another book about being bullied. The main character is new to the school and comes across the school bully. Billy is always getting sick and for once wants to feel powerful and he takes a bet that can change his life by eating 15 worms. This book has been banned due to the cursing language and the betting that takes place. While some of the reviews are low on this book from students it have some value in understanding how to become your own person. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=RockwellT73 to read reviews on this book. The book has been in question since the 1990’s due to the social aspects of the events in the book. The book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
8. Title: James and the Giant Peach Author: Ronald Dahl Genre : Fantasy
James and the Giant Peach is about a boy that lives with two very mean aunts. He escapes his old life by inventing a new family of giant insects that live in a peach. They explore the world in order to have. The book has been banned due to sexual inferences, mysticism, profanity, and the use of drugs. Please look at the reviews at http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=DahlR61 to read about this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1990’s – 2000’s and was put on the Americans Library List. This book would be appropriate for students who are 8 and up.
9. Title: Goosebumps Series Author: R. L. Stine Genre: Horror/Thriller
The Goosebumps Series are books that take place in different setting from homes to [[#|boarding schools]]. The stories are scary but have funny elements. The characters are interacting with super natural beings. These books have scary over tones and deal with occult issues. To see more reviews access them at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-golden-compass-his-dark-materials-book-1. Goosebumps was listed on the ALA list during 1990-1999 and was listed number 15th banned book and in 2000-2009 it was moved to the 94th banned book. The series was challenged for being too frightening for young people and depicting occult or satanic themes. This book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
10. Title: The Witches Author: Ronald Dahl Genre: Fiction
This book is about how three female witches want to rid the world of children by killing them. The only reason is because they create a foul stench that hurts the witches. The boy hears this story through his grandmother who he believes is making it up. The boy sees the witches and tries to rid the world of them, but gets turned into a mouse. This book has been banned due because of the violence and the sexist view of women in the book. While some of the reviews are low on this book from students it has some value in understanding how to become your own person. Please access http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=DahlR83 to read reviews on this book. The book has been on the ALA book list in the 1990 -1999 and was rated 22 on the list. The book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
11. Title: Harry Potter Series Author: J. K. Rowling Genre : Fantasy
These books are about a boy who learns that he is a wizard. He has to deal with battling evil throughout the entire series and how it can hurt him. The stories start off with the tales being in an easy natural but the books get darker as Harry grows up. The final battle causes Harry to lose a lot of friends and people he believed to be family. These books are the typical good verse evil. The book is listed on the banned list due to the witchcraft and violence within the books and how they increase in them over the course of the books. Please look at the reviews at http://www.zbarn.net/ns_details.php?Bookid=RowlingJ99z to read about this book. The censorship of this book started in the early 1999 and was put on the Americans Library List. This book would be appropriate for students who are 10 and up.
Controversial Children's Books: Hollie Long
1. And Tango Makes Three(2005) by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
This picture book, recommended for preschool to grade three students, is based on the true story of two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo. The penguins formed a couple, made a nest, and raised an egg.
Some people consider the plot of the story, two male penguins forming a couple, hatching an egg, and raising the chick to be inappropriate for a children’s book and inappropriate in general.
According to reader reviews on Amazon.com, the majority of reviewers see the book as story of family love, not homosexuality. There are some reviews that denounce the book for portraying a family with two dads, but these reviews are vastly outnumbered by the positive reviews.
According to the American Library Association, And Tango Makes Three was the most challenged book of 2010 (Office of Intellectual Freedom, n.d.)
2. Nappy Hair (1998) by Carolivia Herron
This picture book relates the story told by a little girl’s uncle at a family picnic. The little girl is teased because of her hair, and the uncle tells a story of why and how her hair is the way it is. This book is intended for elementary students.
This book is considered controversial by some people because it is perceived to make fun of the natural texture of African-American hair. While it has not yet made the American Library Association’s list of challenged books, there were several articles written addressing the controversy no long after the book’s publication. The controversy is detailed on the adversity.net website.
The reviews on Amazon.com are mostly positive. Many of the reviews point out that the book encourages African-American girls to embrace the natural beauty of their hair. There are some reviews that see the text and illustrations as demeaning.
3. The Lorax(1971) by Dr. Seuss
This picture book tells the story of how the Once-ler discovers and eventually destroys a wonderful and beautiful environment. He is repeatedly warned by the Lorax, a creature who speaks for the trees, but does not heed the warnings. In the end, the fate of the environment is in the hands of a young boy. This book is intended for elementary students.
Some people have considered this book to be against the logging industry by portraying their work in a negative way. It was actually banned in a California school in 1989 (Van Buren High School, 2009).
Now, most people see the story as a reminder to live and work within the confines of the environment, taking care of the world around them. Nearly all of the reviews on Amazon.com are positive. The negative reviews seem to have a problem with anyone advising on how to care for the environment, not necessarily the book.
4. My Mommy is Having a Baby (2005) by Dori Hillestad Butler
This picture book describes the development of a baby during pregnancy and how babies are conceived. It is told from a child’s point of view and covers each month of pregnancy.
This book is considered controversial because it goes into more detail than many people would consider appropriate for preschoolers and young elementary students. Other people welcome a book that helps explain the process of conception and pregnancy to children in terms they can understand.
The author states on her blog that this is the fourth most challenged book of 2011 (Butler, 2012). The reasons for the challenges are sex, nudity, sex education, and unsuited to age group.
Reader reviews on Amazon.com are nearly equally split. Several people think the book is too graphic, while others think the book is an excellent reference to use while discussing the topic of sex and pregnancy with children.
5. Daddy’s Roommate (1994) by Michael Willhoite
This picture book tells the story of a young boy whose parents get a divorce. After the divorce, his father gets a roommate named Frank. The narrator mentions all of the activities that his father and Frank do together. He also states that gay love is just another kind of love. This book is intended for ages 4 and up.
This book, the American Library Association’s second most challenged book from 1990-1999, is controversial because of the relationship between the narrator’s daddy and Frank.
Reader reviews on Amazon.com are generally favorable for this book. There are reviewers who insist that this book is not for children, but the majority of reviews have more of an issue with the book in general than with the topic in the book.
6. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (1969) by William Steig
This picture book tells the story of a donkey named Sylvester. He collects pebbles of all shapes and colors. One pebble grants wishes. During a crisis, Sylvester wishes to be a rock, and his wish is granted. His parents continue to look for him, and the family has a happy ending. This book is intended for ages 6 and up.
The controversy for this book is that the police officers in the book are pigs. Linda St. Cyr states that this book began begin challenged in 1977 over 11 states (2010).
The reviews for this book are generally favorable. The negative reviews do not make note of the species of the police officers. They just do not like the story.
7. A Light in the Attic (1981) by Shel Silverstein
This collection of poems is intended for ages 6 and up. Many of the poems come with illustrations.
This book is number 51 on the American Library Association’s list of 100 most frequently challenged books from 1990-1999. It is challenged because some of the poems are interpreted to promote disobedience and disrespect.
The reviews on Amazon.com are nearly all favorable. The few unfavorable reviews make no mention of the content of the poems. These reviewers do not like the style of writing.
References
A Light in the Attic (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/A-Light-Attic-Special-Edition/product-reviews/0061905852/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Adversity.net. (2007). Nappy hair! Oh my!. Retrieved from http://www.adversity.net/special/nappy_hair.htm
And Tango makes three. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Tango-Makes-Three-Justin-Richardson/product-reviews/0689878451/ref=pr_all_summary_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
American Library Association. (n.d.). 100 most frequently challenged books: 1990-1999. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/1990_1999
Butler, D.H. (2012). My mom’s having a baby: 4th most challenged book of 2011. [web log]. Retrieved from http://dorihbutler.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/my-moms-having-a-baby-4th-most-banned-book-of-2011/
Daddy’s Roommate. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Roommate-Wonderland-Michael-Willhoite/product-reviews/1555831184/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
My mommy’s having a baby!: A kid’s month by month guide to pregnancy. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Moms-Having-Baby-Month-Month/product-reviews/0807553484/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&//showViewpoints//=1
Nappy hair. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Nappy-Dragonfly-Books-Carolivia-Herron/product-reviews/0679894454/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Office of Intellectual Freedom. (n.d.). Frequently challenged books of the 21st century. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged#2010
St. Cyr, L. (2010). Top 5 children’s books to read for banned books week. Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/top-5-childrens-books-read-banned-book-week-6839578.html
Sylvester and the magic pebble. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Sylvester-Magic-Pebble-William-Steig/product-reviews/0671662694/ref=pr_all_summary_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
The Lorax. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/The-Lorax-Classic-Seuss-Dr/product-reviews/0394823370/ref=pr_all_summary_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Van Buren High School. (2009). The Lorax: Dr. Seuss banned?!?!. Retrieved from http://drseussbanned.weebly.com/index.html
Tihesha Morgan Controversy Book Summary
1. In the Night Kitchen (1970) by Maurice Sendak
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 4 and up
This picture book tells the story of a young boy that dream of a trip to the Night Kitchen. Mickey is the name of the character that goes on an adventure. Throughout his dream he travels and meets three cooks. Mickey helps to save the day by finding the missing ingredient to help the cooks make the morning cake. The controversy stems from the main character being nude. The censorship of this book began in 1972 by librarians painting diapers over the boy’s genitals and in some situations, the book was burned. The public’s view of the book for the most part support the book, but there are mixed feelings about the nudity, to see the reviews please access http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95144.In_the_Night_Kitchen .
2. Where Willy Went… (2004) by Nicholas Allan
Genre: Fiction/Humorous
Age: Pre-K through 2
This book is about Willy who is a sperm that lives with 300 million friends in Mr. Browne. Willy seems to be really good at swimming and his practice pays off when it is time for the big race. Willy wins the race by getting to the egg in Mrs. Browne first. Eventually, Mrs. Browne has the baby with the same smile as Willy and who is a great swimmer. The controversies are over the illustrations of the sperm and the egg as well as the mature nature of the topic. The censorship of this book has been since it was published in 2004 and has been banned from many libraries. The reviews of the book seem to agree that the book is appropriate for parents or with parental consent and not so much at a school setting. To access the reviews please go to http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/998256.Where_Willy_Went .
3. Happy to be Nappy (1999) by Bell Hooks
Genre: Fiction
Age: K through 2
This book is about a girl who is proud of her hair as an African American. The controversy is that the book is calling African American girls hair nappy and can be seen as offensive and stereotypical. There has not been censorship of this book as of yet, but a teacher was suspended for using the book to teach differences in children. The reviews of the book seem to be positive, http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Be-Nappy-Jump-Sun/dp/0786804270/ref=cm_lmf_tit_14#_ .
4. The Un-Wedding (1998) by Babette Cole
Genre: Fiction/Humor
Age: 6 years old and up
This story is about two children, Demetrius and Paula, who are worried about their parent playing cruel jokes on each other and disagreeing about everything. The children want their parents to get a divorce so they plan an un-wedding. The controversy over this book is that it is not a realistic approach on the topic of divorce. It seems to be making light of the situation. There has been some censorship on this book from librarians. Some librarians have banned the book from their libraries. This book has mixed reviews with either the reader really enjoying the book or really despising the book, http://www.amazon.com/The-Un-Wedding-Babette-Cole/dp/0679888985/ref=cm_lmf_tit_5 .
5. Little Zizi (2008) by Thierry Lenain
Genre: Fiction/Humor
Age: K through grade 3
This story is about a student named Martin who is bullied by Adrian because he has a small penis or zizi. Martin worries if his penis will ever be the same size as his dad’s penis. All of the boys start to tease Martin and Adrian wants to have a urinating contest with Martin to see who can pee the furthest. The book sparks controversy due to the topic of genitalia. It seems to be a mature topic to discuss at school it seems more appropriate for adults to read to their children at home. The history of censorship was challenged in 2008. There are mixed reviews of the book all the readers think the book is funny but not quite appropriate for school, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3077290-little-zizi#other_reviews .
6. The Stupids Have a Ball (1984) by Harry G. Allard
Genre: Fiction
Age: K through 2
This story is the second of a series. It is about the Stupid family members who decide to celebrate their children’s horrible report card by inviting their relatives over for a costume party. The controversy is with the usage of the language or the word “stupid”. Also, the message of the story seems to be that it is okay to be a failure hence the name of the family. Censorship of this book is on the challenged list of literary censorship in the public schools, 1950-1985. It was challenged again in 2004. The reviews for the most part are relatively negative, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/147716.The_Stupids_Have_a_Ball .
7. The Rabbits’ Wedding (1958) by Garth Williams
Genre: Fiction
Age: 4years and up
This is a story that explains marriage and love. Two rabbits decide that they would like to be together, so they decide to have a wedding. The controversy that surrounds this book is because the two rabbits are different colors, one is black and the other is white, and during the 50s and 60s it was banned because they thought that it promoted interracial marriage. Interracial marriages were against the law in some states and therefore this book was pulled off the shelves. The history of censorship shows that this book was banned in many places. The reviews of this book are mixed, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/906544.The_Rabbits_Wedding .
Terri Stewart
Book #1
1. How to Eat Fried Worms
2. Author: Thomas Rockwell
3. This book is about a boy who makes a bet with one of his friends that he can eat 15 worms in 15 days. This bet stems from a conversatrion that a group of boys are having about disgusting foods.
4. This is a fiction book.
5. The parts of the book that are questionable are the bet because it is considered promoting gambling, and the eatting of the worm because it is approving the particaption of children in a unacceptiable activity.
6. The book reviews from Barnes and Nobles state that this book is a must read, funny, amazing, and the best book ever. he bulk of the people enjoyed reading the book and felt that is was appropriate for children to read.
Retrieved from, www.barnesandnoble.com
7. This novel is noted for being the 13th challenged and banned book of the 1990s in the American Libraries.
8. The developmental age for this book would be 10 and older.
Book #2
- Maggie Goes on a Diet
- Author: Paul Kramer
- This book is about a 14 year old girl who is overweight and is being bullied about her size. Soon she learns that in order to stop the bullying she has to lose weight, and she does. She becomes friends with her bullies, and also becomes a soccer star.
- This book is fiction.
- This book is questionable because it contains weight loss towards children.
- The book was published in 2011, and had received very critical reviews before it was published. Once the book was published it was given a new name Maggie Eats Healthier. This was done to down play the negative image about children and diets..
Retrieved from www.goodreads.com7. This book does not have a censorship history.
8. The appropriate age for this book is ten and older.
Book # 3
- The Junie B. Jones Series
- Author: Barbara Parks
- These books are about a young girl and all the trouble that she gets into.
- These books are fiction.
- The situations in the books that are considered questionable they use degrading words and poor grammar.
- According to the reviews on Epinions people listed their pros and cons of these books. The pros were that the books are funny that are told from a child’s point of view. The cons of the books are that they all use bad grammar in them, and this makes it hard for adults to read.Retrieved from www.epinions.com
- This book was number 71 on the banned /challenged books of 2000-2009.
- These books are age appropriate for children 9 and older.
Book #41. Bless Me, Ultima
2. Author: Rudolfo Anaya
3. This is a story of a young boy’s spiritual change in his culture, and social changes in the American Southwest during World War II.
4. This book is historical fiction.5.
5. The book contains adult language, violent content, and some references of sex to create questionable situations.
6.The general public gave mixed reviews about this book. Some people felt this book was boring, and others enjoyed reading it.
Retrieved from www.goodreads.com
7. This book has been included on the list of commonly challenged books in the United States since 2008.
8This book is appropriate for ages 10 and older.
Book #5
1. Deenie
2. Author: Judy Blume
3. This book is about a teenage girl who is dealing with a medical condition, an overbearing mother, and life.
4. This book is fiction/young adult literature.
5. The pats of the book that are considered questionable are the parts when she is discussing touching her private parts to fall asleep and in the shower. This is questionable because it deals with masturbation, a sexual act.
6. For the most part the comments on goodreads.com all speak of the girl and her dealing with her medical condition along with other family issues. There is not a comment that speaks on the subject of her masturbating.
Retrieved from www.goodreads.com
7. The book was number 42 on the 100 most frequently Challenged Books of 119-2000.
8. This book is appropriate for children who are 13 and older.
Book # 6
- It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing UP, Sex, and Sexual Health
- Author: Robbie Harris
- This is a children’s book about going through puberty.
- This is a non-fiction book.
- The book is considered questionable because it addresses the human body, and sexuality.
- The general public found this book to be very informative, and it covers topics that children and teens have questions about. The book addresses these issues in a fun productive manner.
Retrieved from www.robieharris.com7.The book is considered highly controversial and is number 12 on the American Library Associations Most Challenged Books of 2000-2009
8.This book is age appropriate for children ages 10 and older.
.
Book # 7
- It’s So Amazing: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Babies, and Families.
- Author: Robbie Harris
- This book is about pregnancy, childbirth, sexual development, love reproduction, STDs, and more.
- This is a non-fiction book.
- The content of the entire book and the pictures are some questionable situations from this year.
- The comments on the Amazon web page gives the book high praises. The readers felt that this book was tastefully done.
Retrieved from www.amazon.com7. This book was number ten in the 2005 ALA’s #1 most challenged books, and it is currently now number 37 on the ALA‘s 100 most banned books of the 21th century. .
8.The developmental age of children 10 and older.
Robyn Gartenlaub Controversial books
1. In Our Mothers' House (2009) By Patrica Polacco
Genre:Fiction
Age: 5years and up
This is a story about a married lesbian couple who adopts three children. The story is written from the little girls’ perspective, her memories and how wonderful it was to grow up with two loving parents. The holidays they shared and most of all that a family is love, not who raises you. The controversy around this book is that fact that three adopted children are being raised by a same sex couple. The reviews state that this book is too risky for young children and should be kept out of our school libraries. The history of this book is that it has been band from many school libraries but not public libraries.
http://www.rainbowrumpus.org/grown-ups/book-review-our-mothers-house-patricia-polacco
2. The Stupids Have a Ball (1984) By Harry G. Allard
Genre: Fiction
Age: K and up
This is a story about a family who celebrates their children's failing grades. They decided to invite their relatives over for a costume party to celebrate their lack of effort to even try in school. The controversy around this book is the use of the word "stupid" and that they are celebrating their failures. This book has been on and off the literary censorship in public schools since the 1950's throughout the 1985 and challenged again in the past 10 years. This book has had many negative reviews along with the other books in this series.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/147716.The_Stupids_Have_a_Ball
3. Where The Wild Things Are (1963) By Maurice Sendak
Genre: Fantasy
Age: K and up
This story is about a little boy is dressed like a wolf and will not calm down, the mother sends him to his room and he throws a temper tantrum. He is sent to his room with out dinner and "runs away" to a land of wild things. The controversy surrounding this picture book is that use of fictional creators which some saw as witch craft and the young child's behavior towards his mother. This book was banned at first and received negative reviews but as the years have gone on it has made the top 100's children's literary review and received Caldecott Medal in 1964.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_the_Wild_Things_Are
5. Daddy's Roommate (1994) By Michael Willhoite
Genre: Fiction
Age: 4 and up
This story takes place from the son's point of view. It begins with his parents divorce and his daddy's "new roommate". This book was written to explain to children that families can come in many different forms. The controversy behind this book is daddy's new friend, leaving a marriage for a same sex partner. This book was banned from school and public libraries in the 1990's by community members who claimed the book was lost after taking the book out of the library. In the 1990's this book got a lot of negative reviews but since the 2000's its received more positive reviews.
https://sites.google.com/site/thesisactivities/daddy-s-roommate
6. Rose Blanche (1985) Christophe Gallaz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: Second and up
This a story that takes place during World War II through the eye of a non-Jewish girl who sees a little boy getting arrested by the Nazi's and taken to the concentration camp in the woods. She brings the prisoners food until one day she is shot and killed. The controversy behind this book is that it's not for young children. The critics suggest that its for older children who know something about the holocaust. this book got nothing but positive reviews for how it was written and that it teaches young children courage and strength.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830051.Rose_Blanche
7. The Story of Babar (1937) Jean De Brunhoff
Genre: Fiction
Age: 4 and up
The story of Babar is about an elephants adventures after his mother is killed by hunters. He travels to the city, gets a new look, marries his cousin and becomes king. The controversy behind this story is that some view this as a colonialis
m or socialist view point. The review on this story throughout the decades is one that children and adults love this story and most do not see the things that are politically incorrect. This book was never banned from libraries, but there is a group of people who do not agree with this story.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394805755?ie=UTF8&tag=mytwbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0394805755
8. The Five Chinese Brothers (1996) By: Claire Huchet Bishop
Genre: Fiction
age: 4 and up
this story is about five brothers who use their special powers to save the first brother from being executed. The story is clever, funny and a joy to read. The controversy behind this book is it can be considered politically incorrect, racial stereotypes and violence. This story was banned for a short period of time in the 1990's in California public schools but since then has been brought back. The reviews for this story were mostly positive except for the few groups of people who found this story politically incorrect.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394805755?ie=UTF8&tag=mytwbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0394805755
9. The Lorax (1971) By: Dr. Seuss
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 6 and up
This is a story about saving the environment, waste not water nor air. What happens if we run out of clean air or clean water. The story is told by the Once-ler a world that had clean air and water, now this world they have to use processed clean air and water. The controversy around this story is that at the time when it was written there was no worries about the diminish of our natural resources. The fact that humans could diminish our resources. This book has never been censored or banned but did have some controversy behind it. The reviews all show that young or old everyone enjoys The Lorax and many other Dr. Seuss books.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394805755?ie=UTF8&tag=mytwbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0394805755
10. Smoky Night (1999) Eve Bunting
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age: K and up
This story is based on the L.A. riots, a boy and his mother are forced out of their apartment during riots. This book tries to bring many races together especially African-Americans and Koreans. The controversy behind this story is the violence and that just by saying "Can't we all just get along" we should all get along and under playing racism and anger between the races. This book was banned from some school libraries but not public libraries. The reviews were mixed but most of the reviews state that the story plays out nicely, written well and bright colors.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/616833.Smoky_Night
11. Bud no Buddy (1999) by: Christopher Paul Curtis
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: 3rd-8th
Bud Not Buddy is about a little African-American boy during the early 1930's who was left as an orphan and raised in an orphanage because his mother died and he didn't know his father. A family finally adopts him and treats him beyond horrible, he runs away to find who he thinks his father might be and ends up finding his grandfather. Throughout the story he ends up touching hearts around him while going on adventures and traveling with his grandpa who plays in a jazz band. The reviews put out on this book show both children you and old really enjoy reading this funny, yet sensitive story. The controversy was in the earlier years and was removed from public schools but remained on the public libraries. You can find this book in public schools now.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/bud-not-buddy-discussion-guide
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Ricki Lynch- Controversial and Banned Books
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Young adult; fictionSpeak is the story of a girl who feels she has lost her voice. After calling the cops on a party at her house she feels no one likes her anymore. When what really happened at the party is what’s eating her away.
The story is banned for its subject matter; Melinda was raped at the party and many people think rape should not be discussed with young adults. According to a post in the school library journal the book has been called immoral, filthy, and “soft porn.”
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/886910-312/andersons_speak_under_attack_again.html.csp
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Young adult; science fiction written in narrative form
Flowers for Algernon tells the story of Charlie Gordon who is a man with mental retardation who undergoes a scientific experiment to see if his disability can be cured. The narrative is written in “Progress Reports” written by Charlie as he goes through the experiments and the changes in his life.
The story is banned or thought controversial because of the intense love scenes that occur between Charlie and his teacher. It has been called pornographic or too sexually graphic. #47 on 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000. According to GoodReads, Flowers for Algernon is a wonderful portrayal of human nature and science fiction. One major problem the reviewers have is that the versions that they use in schools are most often abridged or adapted to leave out the sexual scenes and they feel this takes away from the story.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18373.Flowers_for_Algernon http://suvudu.com/2008/10/challenged-and-banned-flowers-for-algernon.html
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Young adult 13-15; science fiction/ fantasy
The Giver tells the story of a community run by Elders in a place with no war, violence, or suffering. Everything is decided for you and if you choose not to listen you will be terminated. The book is banned because of suicide, murder, and mind control. #11 on ALA’s list of Most Challenged Titles 1990-1999 and #23 on the same list from 2000-2009. People feel that the desensitization of euthanasia and suicide are not appropriate for this age group and that the pill popping and lethal injections took the book too far.
http://bannedbooks.world.edu/2011/03/27/banned-books-awareness-giver-lois-lowry/
Forever by Judy Blume
Ages 13-15, young adult; realistic fiction
Forever is the story of a first love between two teenagers. They are trying to decide whether to make their relationship more physical and negotiate taking it to the next level, sexually.
The book is banned due to its obvious sexual nature, drugs, and drinking. #7 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 1990-1999 and #16 of top 100 banned/challenged books from 2000-2009. According to reviews on GoodReads reviewers feel that the book is realistic. Many did feel it was extremely graphic at times; one reviewer said it seemed like a “how to manual” at one point.
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picolt
Young adult; realistic fiction
My Sister’s Keeper shares the story of a family who does whatever it takes to keep their oldest daughter alive. They change the whole family dynamic and jeopardize their own marriage to keep her alive and fighting while living with Leukemia.
This book is challenged often due to homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoints, sexism, and violence. # 7 most challenged book in 2009 on the ALA Most Challenged List. Readers ask the same questions, when is it morally right to take someone else’s life to save another? How does good parenting look when one child is being harmed to save another?
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Young adult, historical fiction
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is about two slaves that have to make some life changing decisions. They struggle with the decision of running away to be free or staying with the ones they love. It is controversial because of the treatment of slaves and the negative connotation of African Americans as well as the “N” word. People have challenged it's effectiveness for years, especially in the south where it has been removed from many school libraries.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Young adult, ages12-15; realistic fiction
The Outsiders tells the story of two gangs who are constantly fighting for turf while fighting their societal classes at the same time. It has been seen as controversial because of gang violence, drug and alcohol use, profanity, and the image of gang members coming from broken homes. It is ranked #43 on the American Library Association’s Top 100 Most Challenged Books of 1990-2000. Parents felt that the book introduced mature topics too early in middle school and that it condoned non Christian values.
http://bannedbooks.world.edu/2011/05/08/banned-books-awareness-outsiders/
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Young adult; realistic fiction
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part time Indian tells of a Native American teenager who has grown up on the reservation. His parents decide to enroll him in an all white high school and the story presents many of the same challenges that teenagers face today in their schools. The book has been challenged for it negative portrayal of Native Americans, description of sexual acts, as well as it’s inappropriate and vulgar language. The book has been challenged many times by parents since 2007. It has been banned from many school libraries since then as well. One parent felt that the book was inappropriate for the community and others said there is no way any parent should allow their child to read the book.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Young adult; adventure
In this story a domesticated dog reverts back to his instincts of a wild dog after being used as a sled dog. The book is often challenged due to it violent, cruel images throughout as well as the idea of animal cruelty. The book was banned in Yugolslavia and Italy for being “too radical.” The book was also burned in Nazi fires for this same reason.
http://marginalia.ako.net.nz/2008/04/02/call-of-the-wild/
Sophie’s Choice by William Styron
Young adult; drama
Sophie’s Choice is the story of a fired novelist who sets out to begin his own writing career. On his way he meets some other characters. The novelist falls in love with the woman, Sophie, who was a prisoner in a concentration camp. They grow closer as she learns more disturbing lies about her own husband. This book is controversial because of the sexual content and negative connotations of Jews, Polish, and Germans. This book has been pulled of the shelf as recently as 2002, a complain from the ACLU allowed for it’s return at the particular school. Most critics of the book enjoyed it and felt a real, emotional connection with it even with the controversial issues.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228560.Sophie_s_Choice
Rasheeda Robinson Controversial Books
1. Title: Captain Underpants
Author: Dav Pilky
Description: This series follows the adventures of a superhero that is created by two the two main characters Harold and George.
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Questionable situations: displays violence, inappropriate for targeted age group, against family
Public Opinion: 3.73 avg rating — 8,119 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Censorship: # 6 2002
Age Group: 7-10
2. Title: Guess What
Author: Mem fox
Description: The reader must guess the answers to questions about the story’s main character Daisy O’ Grady
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Questionable situations: promotes witchcraft, profanity, & inappropriate for age group
Public Opinion: 3.58 avg rating — 98 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Censorship: #66 1990- 2000
Age Group: K-3
3. Title: King & King
Author: Linda de Haan
Description: The prince is requested to find a mate so that he may become king but his quest for love has a surprise ending.
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Questionable situations: depicts homosexuality
Public Opinion: has been reviewed by School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book Magazine, Publisher’s Weekly via www.wikipedia.org
Censorship: 2003
Age Group: 5 – 8 years
4. Title: It’s Perfectly Normal
Author: Robie Harris
Description: provides and in depth account of sexuality covering topics such as how babies are conceived, puberty, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Genre: Sex Education
Questionable situations: discusses sexuality and homosexuality, displays nudity,
Public Opinion: 4.05 avg rating — 333 ratings via www.goodreads.com received awards from Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal “Best Book of the Year”, the American Library Association and the New York Times “Notable Book of the Year”, and the San Francisco Chronicle “The Century’s Best Children’s Books” via www.wikipedia.org
Censorship: # 12 2000- 2009
Age Group: Grades 5 -8
5. Title: Junie B. Jones
Author: Barbara Park
Description: This series follows an inquisitive elementary aged students who depicts the misconceptions of children her age and adventures that occur because of these misconceptions.
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Questionable situations: encourages disobedience & disrespect of adults, uses inappropriate language such as “stupid” and “dumb”, uses inventive spelling and poor grammar
Public Opinion: 4.10 avg rating — 1,096 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Censorship: 2001-2009
Age Group: K-3
6. Title: Halloween ABC
Author: Eve Merriam
Description: uses the alphabet to depict and describe Halloween.
Genre: Childrens Fiction
Questionable situations: inappropriate for age group, frightening illustrations
Public Opinion:3.52 avg rating — 94 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Censorship: 1990- 2000
Age Group: Kindergarten & above
7. Title: Crazy Lady
Author: Jane Leslie Conly
Description: The main character, Vernon befriends questionable characters after the death of his mother.
Genre: Fiction
Questionable situations: uses language that is offensive
Public Opinion: 3.51 avg rating — 367 ratings via www.goodreads.com, Newberry Honor Book via www.wikipedia.org
Censorship: 2005
Author: Sarah Brannen
Description: This story is about a young girl feeling displaced after her favorite uncle gets married to his boyfriend.
Genre: Fiction, Family Life & Social Issues
Questionable situations: depicts homosexuality and deemed inappropriate for the target age group.
Censorship: 2008
Public Opinion: 3.70 avg rating — 128 ratings via www.goodreads.com
Age Group: 4- 8 years
JESUS SANDOVAL
by John Updike
Possessed elements that “attacked” the idea(s) of a family.
by Kurt Vonnegut
What new religions will emerge? How will the world end?
by Truman Capote
What kind of people could do such a thing?
How does it effect a country community?
by Kate Chopin
by Anthony Burgess
A look at the future where youth go wild and pay for their sins.
Celebrates
by D.H. Lawrence
by James Baldwin
by Kurt Vonnegut
What is it to survive?
by Margaret Mitchell
by Ernest Hemingway